Head-to-Head Comparison
Williams College vs Amherst College
- Williams Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 16
- Amherst Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Williams College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,716 vs Amherst College's $23,367, Williams College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Williams College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Williams
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,665 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than Amherst College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,716, roughly $5,651 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,761, the lower of the two
Amherst
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Williams graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (24% of degrees); Amherst in Social Sciences (20%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Williams College over Amherst College. Median earnings of $88,665 ten years after enrollment vs $77,644.
Pick Williams College over Amherst College. Net price $17,716 vs $23,367.
Pick Amherst College over Williams College. 2% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Williams College and Amherst College are close on paper, but Williams College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Williams College is the harder admit. It takes 8% of applicants, while Amherst College takes 9%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,533 to 1,533.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Williams College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Williams College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,716, about $5,651 a year below Amherst College's $23,367. Graduates of Williams College also borrow less: median debt of $12,761, against $13,740.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $22,604 before any change in aid. Choosing Williams College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Williams College graduates report median earnings of $88,665, compared with $77,644 at Amherst College. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, Williams College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.18x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Amherst College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2%; at Williams College, it is 1%. Amherst College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Amherst College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Williams College to keep costs and debt down; pick Amherst College if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Williams College is harder to get into, with a 8% admit rate, but Amherst College posts the higher mobility rate, at 2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Williams College concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, while Amherst College leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Williams competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,367 runs well above Williams College's $17,716.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Amherst College's enrollment, and Williams College is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Williams holds onto its admits more tightly: 42% of admitted students enroll, versus 39% at Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Amherst (29.4% Early Decision admit rate vs 26.6%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
The Overviews
Williams College
Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.
Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.
When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.
Amherst College
Amherst, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, Amherst College attracts students who are academically driven and eager to engage in a close-knit learning environment. This college is a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences. The small student body of around 1,911 fosters a sense of community, making it easier for students to connect with faculty and peers while diving deep into their studies.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an impressive average of $77,644 within ten years. This figure reflects the strong outcomes for graduates, many of whom find opportunities to advance in their careers. While the Pell Grant rate sits at 20%, indicating support for lower-income students, the emphasis remains on ensuring that all graduates can make strides in their professional lives without being overly burdened by financial constraints.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid comes to about $23,367, with a median debt of $13,740 for those who do take loans. This financial picture suggests that students who thrive here often come from a variety of backgrounds but share a common commitment to their education. With a graduation rate of 94%, it’s clear that students who choose Amherst tend to find their place and succeed, making the investment in their education worthwhile.
Rankings They Appear On
Williams College and Amherst College appear together in 12 rankings. On the Best Liberal Arts Colleges, Williams College ranks #1 — Williams College outranks Amherst College by 3 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 24% of Williams's student body and 20% of Amherst's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Williams) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Williams College is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, while Amherst College concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Williams College or Amherst College?
Williams College is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 9% at Amherst College.
Which is more affordable, Williams College or Amherst College?
Williams College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,716 after aid versus $23,367 at Amherst College.
Do Williams College or Amherst College graduates earn more?
Williams College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,665 ten years after enrollment, versus $77,644 at Amherst College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Williams College or Amherst College?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 94%.
Williams College vs Amherst College: which is better for social mobility?
Amherst College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2% versus 1%.
Should you choose Williams College or Amherst College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Williams College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Amherst College if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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